Myrtle Johnson

Myrtle A. Johnson, age 90, of Willmar, died Friday morning, March 15, at the Bethesda Heritage Center in Willmar.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, at Svea Lutheran Church. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.

Myrtle Arlene Johnson was born on September 28, 1922, in Lafayette, Minnesota, the daughter of Carl and Anna (Gustafson) Holmgren. In 1926, the family moved to Raymond where she grew up and received her education. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Myrtle worked as a housekeeper for different families in the Raymond community. On December 29, 1943, Myrtle was united in marriage to Harris E. Johnson. They lived and farmed their entire lives on the Johnson homestead just south of Willmar. In 1990, Harris died. In 2009, due to health complications, Myrtle moved to the Sterling House and later to Sunrise Assisted Living in Willmar. She was a longtime member of Svea Lutheran Church, a birthday club and sewing club. Myrtle played by ear the piano, organ and accordion. She performed in a senior citizens band that played at numerous nursing homes. She enjoyed cooking, especially for the crew at harvest time. Myrtle is best known for her homemade baked buns.

She is survived by two daughters, Diane (and James) Olsen of Hutchinson and Sandra (and Robert) Bischoff of Richmond; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren, besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; seven brothers and five sisters.